Monterey Holidays
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Our guide on where to stay in Monterey
New Monterey
New Monterey stretches along Monterey Bay with the popular coastal recreation trail offering stunning ocean views. History comes alive in this charming district where John Steinbeck's famous Cannery Row has transformed from sardine factories to vibrant shops and eateries. The area balances tourist attractions with quiet residential streets. Walk from the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium to San Carlos Beach along the waterfront promenade. Explore tide pools while watching for sea otters playing in the kelp forests offshore. Historic cottages and modern homes create a peaceful retreat just steps away from the scenic shoreline.
Old Monterey
Old Monterey captures California's colonial past through Spanish adobe buildings with red-tiled roofs lining cobblestone paths. The white columns of Colton Hall stand proudly where the state's first constitution was signed. Historic Custom House and Perry House transport visitors back to early California days. Ocean breezes carry the scent of eucalyptus through the walkable district. The area connects seamlessly to Monterey Bay's waterfront promenade and Fisherman's Wharf. Boutique shops in converted adobes offer local art and handcrafted jewellery. Wine bars and upscale restaurants occupy historic buildings, serving fresh seafood and local wines. Morning and evening provide the most peaceful times to explore this charming district.
Downtown Monterey
Historic City centre Monterey blends California's rich heritage with a picturesque waterfront experience along Monterey Bay. Explore well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings like Colton Hall where California's first constitution was drafted. Stroll past the Royal Presidio Chapel with its weathered adobe walls. The bustling Fisherman's Wharf extends into the bay with views of sea lions and fishing boats. Families enjoy Dennis the Menace Playground and the Monterey County Youth Museum. Art lovers appreciate the Golden State Theatre's historic charm. The scenic Coastal Recreation Trail offers perfect paths for walking or cycling along the shoreline. Most attractions sit within walking distance of each other, making this area ideal for travellers seeking both history and natural beauty.
Lighthouse District
The Lighthouse District embraces Monterey's rich maritime heritage with historic charm and breathtaking coastal beauty. Explore the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium housed in former sardine canneries along Cannery Row. Watch playful sea otters frolic in kelp forests while strolling the scenic waterfront promenade. This walkable area offers exceptional seafood dining with ocean views where barking sea lions provide natural entertainment. Wine tasting rooms showcase local vintages in weathered buildings that tell stories of the past. The flat Coastal Recreation Trail connects major attractions, making car-free exploration a delightful way to experience this seaside gem.
Monterey Vista
Monterey Vista offers a peaceful escape from tourist crowds while keeping you close to Monterey's attractions. This charming residential area features tree-lined streets and mid-century homes in earth tones. Morning fog rolls through mature pines and oaks, creating a distinctly California coastal atmosphere. Families appreciate the quiet pavements and small area parks perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls. While dining options are limited within the area, city centre Monterey's restaurants are just a short drive away. Holiday rentals provide an authentic glimpse into local California coastal living.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Monterey
What to do in Monterey
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Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey Hotel Deals
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay
Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey BayFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a Monterey holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Monterey getaway. However, factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will influence how much your holiday to Monterey costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Monterey?
If you're hoping to score a cheap Monterey holiday package, consider planning a trip in December, January and February. You're likely to find better rates on accommodation and flights during these quieter months — ideal for travellers wishing to save money.
How many days is enough for Monterey?
Monterey holidays come in various shapes and sizes, but to really sink your teeth into this place, we'd suggest 2 days is a good ballpark. This will mean you can visit top attractions like Del Monte Beach and Golden State Theatre and seek out some underrated gems. Don't forget to visit cool neighbourhoods such as Downtown Monterey and Monterey Vista either. If you're clever with your time, you may even be able to take a day trip outside of Monterey too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Monterey?
Whether you're looking to visit key attractions like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row on your Monterey holiday, or coming for its great festivals, markets and hiking, there's something for everyone here. With so much to experience, you'll quickly learn why so many travellers think Monterey is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Monterey package deals?
Landing a cheap Monterey package deal is easy with Expedia. Once you've entered your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, apply a couple of filters and see what's available. You can tweak your search by "Popular locations," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most pocket-friendly Monterey package deals. Want a simple trick to score even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are generally lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Monterey holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Monterey getaway by booking a personalised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then enter your travel dates and destination to view the best hotel and flight prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may score a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Monterey?
If you're considering a spur-of-the-moment Monterey getaway, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can land incredible deals on your flights and hotels by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Monterey?
- Pick the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you like can all impact your decision on when to travel to Monterey.
- Figure out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from transportation and meals to flights and experiences. Your hotel will likely be the biggest expense during your trip to Monterey.
- Decide your trip length: Think about how long you'd like to spend discovering Monterey. Plan your days so you can get to all the activities and attractions you're interested in at a comfortable pace.
- Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your flights, car rental, hotels and more into a personalised Monterey holiday package.